The perfect combo: Roasted Potatoes with Tahini Dressing and Falafel
This recipe for roasted potatoes with tahini dressing and falafel and is scrumptious and easy to make. The potatoes and sweet potatoes are roasted in olive oil and a generous amount of za’atar seasoning. Za’atar seasoning is a spice mixture that originates in the Middle East. The combination of spices can vary but a traditional za’atar will usually contain dried thyme, dried oregano, sumac, marjoram and toasted sesame seeds. If you are interested in making your own za’atar here is a link that will get you started.
Mid-way into roasting we add sliced onions and red bell pepper slices, so as not to over cook. This Mediterranean twist on roasted potatoes brings out a nutty & earthy flavor, perfect for pairing with our falafel and kibbeh. Falafel is traditionally made from chickpeas or fava beans and is commonly served in the Middle East. Falafel is rich in fiber, low-fat and high in protein. Kibbeh is also a traditional Middle Eastern dish and consists of ground meat, toasted pine nuts and spices. Kibbeh is the national dish of Lebanon where it is often eaten raw. For this recipe, baked kibbeh is called for but if you are interested in learning about preparing kibbeh from scratch, click here to learn more. Also, if you are interested in making your own falafel, try our recipe here.
We finished the dish with a sweet and lemony tahini sauce. This dressing will last at least a week in the refrigerator if you have some left over. The melding of flavors is like a hug in a bowl. The entire dish evokes the feeling of watching the rolling waves of the Mediterranean Sea while wrapped in a blanket.
This post was brought to you in partnership with Afia Foods
This comforting fall dish was made easy using Afia Falafel & Kibbeh. Their products are made in the traditional way, using only simple ingredients and recipes that have been in their family for generations. Once only available in grandma’s kitchen, today Afia can be found at H-E-B stores, Amazon, and AfiaFoods.com.
Roasted Potatoes with Tahini Dressing and Falafel
Ingredients
- 2 pounds small white and red potatoes, cut in half
- 2 sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp za'atar
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (any color will do)
- 2 large onion, sliced
- Sea salt & pepper, to taste
Sweet Tahini Sauce
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1 lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4-1/2 cup water
Afia Falafel and Kibbeh prepared according to package directions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with foil and parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss prepared potatoes and sweet potatoes in the olive oil. Spread out on the prepared pan. Sprinkle evenly with za’atar and sea salt & pepper. Roast in the oven for 10 - 12 minutes.
- After the first 10-12 minutes, the Potatoes should be just beginning to get brown edges. Add in the bell pepper & onions slices evenly throughout the pan. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10-12 minutes. You want your potatoes to be lightly golden brown.
- While the potatoes are roasting make the tahini dressing by whisking or blending all ingredients except water. Add water only if you want a thinner sauce. I usually add 1/4 cup water.
- When you remove the potatoes, reduce the heat and prepare your falafel & kibbeh according to package directions. We think oven preparation is best, but you can also microwave or air fry our products.
- Assemble your bowl & enjoy!